Mon Oct 20 12:10:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Xcel Energy initially considered proactive power shutoffs in several Denver-area counties due to critical fire weather conditions expected on Monday. However, they later decided against it after updated forecasts showed decreased wind speeds. Despite this, residents in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, and Denver counties could still experience unplanned power outages due to strong winds affecting power lines. A red flag warning is in effect, indicating a high risk of rapid fire spread. Xcel has activated Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings, which could lead to longer outages as crews need to inspect lines before restoring power.

News Article:

Denver-Area Residents Brace for Potential Power Outages Amid Red Flag Warning

DENVER, CO – While Xcel Energy has ruled out proactive power shutoffs, Denver-area residents in multiple counties could still face power outages on Monday due to high winds and critical fire weather conditions.

The utility initially considered proactively cutting power in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, and Denver counties but opted against it after updated forecasts showed lower-than-anticipated wind speeds.

However, Xcel warns that unplanned outages are still possible as strong winds, expected to reach up to 50 mph, could impact power lines.

A red flag warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Jefferson, Douglas, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Park, Boulder, Broomfield, Adams, Denver, Arapahoe, Elbert, Lincoln and Washington counties, issued by the National Weather Service. The warning cites low humidity levels (as low as 15%) combined with strong winds, creating conditions “favorable for rapid fire spread.”

Xcel has activated Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across northern Colorado, making power lines more sensitive. This means that power could be automatically shut off if an issue, such as a tree branch touching a line, is detected.

“Temporarily shutting off power … is not a step taken lightly and is only used when other methods are not enough to help prevent wildfires,” Xcel officials stated.

While these safety settings increase public safety, they can also lead to longer outages as crews must visually inspect power lines before restoring service. Xcel stated that crews will be on standby to patrol service areas and restore power as quickly as possible.

Xcel advises customers in the potential outage areas to assemble an outage kit and update their account communications preferences to receive updates.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.

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